CIMC Raffles methanol-fuel WTIV design receives AiP from ABS

The vessel is capable of transporting and installing the largest wind turbines on the market and generating 16-20 MW of electricity, while limiting carbon emissions via the dual-fuel methanol propulsion system, which also features a 3,500tons leg-encircling crane and a sea-keeping dynamic positioning system compliant with ABS class requirements DPS-2.

“Support vessels like WTIVs are in short supply, and newbuilds are being hampered by challenging market dynamics. This design from Yantai promises to meet the need for high-capacity, heavy-duty offshore wind projects,” said Rob Langford, ABS vice president of Global Offshore Wind. 

Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President of Global Sustainability, added, “Methanol has emerged as a favorite among new designs as it represents a ‘here-now’ technology."

Fu Qiang, Director of CIMC Raffles Strategy R&D Center commented, “The vessel is designed for the European market, with a maximum lifting weight of 3,500tons and a maximum lifting height of 228 meters above sea level,and can carry seven sets of 14-MW or four sets of 20-MW wind turbine components.

“This vessel is equipped with a dual-fuel main engine and hybrid battery system, reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Given the complex international market and rising raw material prices, the design offers better economics and stronger competitiveness,” Fu added.

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